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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Gradient Text in Microsoft Word 2010

A Gradient is a beautiful effect that combines 2 or more Colors together. This mini tutorial shows you how easy it is to apply a Gradient Fill to your Text in Microsoft Word 2010. Assuming you already have Text on your document, select it, then click on the Arrow on the Bottom Right side of the Font Group.

This will open the Font Dialog Box. Select the Text Effects Button at the bottom of this window.

This then opens the Format Text Effects Window.

In the Text Fill Tab select the Gradient Fill Button. You'll immediately notice a change to the options in this Tab.

If you select the Preset Colors Icon, you can choose from 24 Preset Gradients.

Choosing any Gradient changes the Gradient Stop Colors. The Gradient represented here is Rainbow. I'll elaborate more on these Gradient Stops further down in this tutorial.

To apply this Gradient to the Text, click Close at the bottom of the Format Text Effects Window. Then click OK at the bottom of the Font Window.

Under the Preset Colors is an option for Gradient Type. The Gradient Type in the above example is Linear. The Type Box has options for Linear, Radial, Rectangular and Path.

This is the Radial Type.

This is the Rectangular Type.

This is the Path Type.

There are many things that you can change to customize your Gradient. Let's change the Angle of the Rainbow Linear Gradient from 90 Degrees to 250 Degrees. Notice the difference.

It would be nice if there was a Preview of the Text as you made each change, but there isn't for this feature :(

For 3 of the Gradient Types, there is also some Preset Directions below. So if you select a Linear Gradient Type, and then select Direction below, you will see 8 Linear Presets.

A Radial Gradient Type gives you 5 Radial Presets.

A Rectangular Gradient Type gives you 5 Rectangular Presets.

There is no Direction Presets for the Path Gradient Type.

Each Gradient Stop represents a Color on the Gradient. You can make changes to 1 Gradient Stop at a time. Adjustments can be made to each Stop's Color, Position, Brightness and Transparency.

You'll know which Stop is selected since an Orange Border appears around it. Also the color of the Color Icon changes. Purple Gradient Stop selected.

Blue Gradient Stop selected.

You can also slide the Stops on to different positions on the Bar.

You may be wondering what happens if you have too many or too little Colors in your Gradient. If you want to Add a New Color to the Gradient, select the Add Gradient Stop Icon.

If you wish to Remove a Color, select the Remove Gradient Stop Icon.

With all of these options, you can make an endless array of Gradients. For a step by step illustrated Tutorial that demonstrates how to create a Flyer with a Gradient Filled Titleand Object in Microsoft Word 2007 visit FlyerTutor.com.

If you'd like to learn how to create other great Text Effects you can view the mini tutorial on Outline, Shadow, Reflection and Glow. As always, have fun exploring and creating new things and do feel free to leave a comment below.